I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose
of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who
died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies
now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In
this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will
in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as
circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for
the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those
kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors,
and Marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more
to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead,
who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their
soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their
deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation
can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory
of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed
grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors
and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time
testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as
a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts
cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and
warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their
sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest
flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved
from his honor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and
assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's
gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to
inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to
year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed
comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in
bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for
simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this
order effective.